RE:RE:Summer beetle activity

From: Belinda Pearce Date:  09/12/2008

Hi Bertram and fellow dung beetle enthusiasts Onitis alexis identification I've trapped 3 alexis specimens in the last three weeks. Each has been a male with the single "rose thorn" spur on the hind leg. I also found a small number of specimens last year in both Spring and Autumn. Two were sent off to Penny for formal indentification as part of the Great Australian Dung Beetle Challenge. Penny was surprised to find them so far south, and commented that they were known for their strong flight ability. I have checked the CSIRO releases and found that 306 cold climate strain alexis beetles were released in Wooragee (Lat 36 18 S Long 146 43 E) in November 1972 (not found in Nov 80). Our location is 36 22 S, 147 01 E. I am not aware of any other local releases, however John Feehan may know of other colonies that have been released. It would be nice to know where they have come from, and how widespread they are across the region. Haven't found any aygulus in our area to date. Bubas bison ativity I have trapped 2 bison females in November and Chips and Pam found one bison in early November at Lucyvale. They also found binodis, taurus, fulvus, australis and another native (atrox??). It would be great to see more bison operating in Spring Congratulations again Bertram on the exciting results (and great photos) coming in from your trials.